Potter magic casts spell as fans camp out for final act

The stars of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two – apart from Harry himself as Daniel Radcliffe was unable to attend – were mobbed at a photo call in London, with some fans carrying banners claiming to have come from California and Argentina.

And the actors praised them for their dedication – particularly given the torrential rain forecast for tonight’s screening.

Jason Isaacs, who played the sinister Lucius Malfoy in the earlier films, said: “Frankly I think they would turn out in earthquakes and tornadoes. That’s the effect the Harry Potter stories have.

“A lot of people have tried to understand why but nobody really understands – it’s magic.”

Thousands more fans are expected to join the camp as Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square are transformed by a touch of Potter wizardry for the day.

The road joining the two sites will be transformed into Diagon Alley – the high street which is home to shops selling the latest in magic for Harry and his fellow wizards.

The film goes on general release on July 15.